How do patent examiners request translations for foreign patents?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

Patent examiners can request translations for foreign patents through several methods:

1. Submit an online request using the Translations Request Form on the USPTO intranet.
2. Contact in-house translators directly via phone or email.
3. Walk-in to the Translations Service Center for immediate assistance.

According to the MPEP: “Examiners can request human (written) translations, or machine translations, by submitting an online request using the Translations Request Form available through STIC’s NPL website on the USPTO intranet. Examiners should check the box for either a human (written) translation or machine translation.”

The MPEP also notes that “The Translations Service Center uses email as the sole delivery method for human (written) translations.”